Water mitigation is the first step in any water damage process. Mitigation, which is the first step of a process that prevents further damage, is the most important. It involves water removal, moisture control, and structural drying.
Water mitigation refers to an emergency response that reduces the water’s effects. It helps to reduce secondary water damage like buckled floors, crumbled wallpaper, and widespread mold growth. Water mitigation must be done before property-wide water damage restoration services can be provided and repairs are made.
Water Mitigation Process
Investigation and Assessment-Technicians inspect the property to assess the extent and type water damage. They can also help with emergency repairs and building board-ups.
Water extraction – Any remaining water can be extracted using a truck-mounted water extraction unit. A vacuum machine is used to extract any water left on porous surfaces.
Structural drying – This water mitigation process uses industrial-grade equipment like subfloor drying and wood floor drying.
Property Stabilization: This is achieved using site-specific drying techniques in order to minimize secondary damage. Drying equipment for crumbling drywall includes water removal, moisture control, structural drying, and buckling floors. Secondary water damage may stabilize the property and make it ready for water restoration.
Site Cleaning – As the drying phase progresses water damage mitigation services remove debris and identify salvageable items, and then begin the cleanup. This includes cleaning up all surfaces.
Different types of water mitigation
Water mitigation methods vary depending on the source. Water from a pipe that has been broken is typically classified as clean. These cases are handled by water damage crews who follow industry standards.
Gray water poses greater problems. Leakage of washing machine lines, backed up sump pump pumps and ruptured disposal pipes are common causes. Crews can address potential contaminants and chemicals in water.
Specialized equipment and products are required to mitigate blackwater. Black water can contain hazardous pathogens and chemicals that can contaminate the materials. Water damage restoration technicians need to adhere strictly to OSHA, CDC, EPA regulations.
What is the difference?
If your home has been damaged by water, you may be wondering whether you need water mitigation or water remediation services. These terms are often used interchangeably but there is a big difference. This quick overview will help you make an informed decision about which service you should choose.
Water mitigation is the act of removing water and preventing it from becoming more damaging. You may use fans, dehumidifiers or other equipment to dry the area. Water remediation is, by contrast, the process of repairing damage already caused by water. This may involve repairs to walls, floors, and other structural elements, as well as cleaning or replacement of damaged belongings.
So which service should you use? You’ll need both water mitigation or water remediation services if you have a damaged home that has been affected by water. The first step is to remove the water from your home with water mitigation. Once the area has dried, you can start the water remediation process to repair any damage.
A professional can help you determine if your home needs water mitigation. A professional restoration company will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Misconceptions concerning Water Mitigation/Restoration services
If you have concerns regarding your home and office water damage, you may want to take on the job. These common misconceptions are important to remember before you commit to the job.
The replacements are cheaper
Do not assume that replacing damaged furniture and belongings will save you money. Restoration costs can often be lower than buying new pieces. A full-service company can find and clean salvageable furniture and any other items like electronics and personal possessions.
Air Drying is Cost Effective
Your property will eventually dry if you don’t take steps to mitigate the situation. The cost of air drying is prohibitive. The moisture that remains behind walls and floors can cause damage to materials and make them less durable. The damp environment can encourage unhealthy mold growth. If these problems aren’t addressed quickly, they can become very difficult to fix.
DIY Water Mitigation is Permitted
Small water extraction systems can be rented from local home improvements centers if the user is comfortable with it. OSHA-approved protective gear is required for Category 2 and 3 water. Additional equipment is needed for structural drying. It’s safer and simpler to have industry-certified professionals deal with water mitigation.
Water Mitigation Services
Water mitigation is the act of preventing further damage from water. This could be repairing leaks or fixing broken pipes. Water mitigation is typically performed by professional contractors who have experience dealing with water damage.
Water mitigation systems are designed to rapidly and effectively eliminate water from your home, in order to prevent any further damage. These systems usually include pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers. Water mitigation is often done immediately after a flood, or water leak to minimize the damage.
Water mitigation services are usually covered by homeowners insurance.
What is Water Remediation, exactly?
There are three ways to reverse water damage: mitigation, remediation and restoration. Property owners are familiar with water restoration. This is a process to restore damaged areas and materials to their original state.
Water remediation includes cleaning, drying and sanitizing, as well as repairing. This critical part acts as a bridge between initial mitigation, and final restoration.
While there are some overlaps in the applied techniques, remediation is an integral component of the transition from mitigation to restoration.
Water Remediation Process
Water damage mitigation should be followed immediately by remediation. Water remediation is a more complex process than mitigation. However, some aspects are very similar.
These five steps are critical to ensure that every project progresses from mitigation to recovery.
1. Complete Water Removal
Water damage specialists remove water from floors and ceilings. Special water removal techniques can be used to remove personal and furniture items.
2. Precise Moisture Monitoring
Hidden moisture pockets must be identified and addressed. This comprehensive approach will prevent long-term problems such as mold growth and wood decay.
3. Cleaning and Sanitizing
All surfaces and materials damaged by the accident should be cleaned with tools and products that can prevent future damage. The cleaning is completed with the application of OSHA-approved sanitizing agents.
4. The Final Drying
The final phase of water remediation is structural drying. Industrial equipment may run for several days, sometimes even more, before technicians check that the final drying phase is completed.
5. Pre-restoration services
This step addresses any repairs that are required before restoration can start. This could include ceilings and floors as well as drywall. Sometimes, remediation is the removal of materials that cannot possibly be salvaged.
Is it possible for DIY water remediation to be done?
Water remediation should be an integral part of any home-plumbing repair job. The task of remediating extensive water damage can be overwhelming. It is important to act quickly to minimize structural damage.
These are key points to consider before you attempt DIY Water Remediation.
It is difficult to rent water damage equipment for heavy duty at rental agencies.
Safety training is required for industrial-grade water treatment products.
Working with Category 2 water or Category 3 water can be extremely dangerous.
The time it takes for a job to be fixed by professionals is significantly reduced when you have professional help.
Homeowner’s insurance covers water remediation costs.
Water Remediation Services
Water remediation involves the restoration of a home that has suffered water damage. This includes the removal of mold, drying out wet material, and repairing damaged structural components. This type of work is typically performed by professionals who are trained in water restoration.
Decide which service is best for you.
The severity of the damage done to your home will affect the answer. Water mitigation services may suffice if your home has only suffered minor damage from water. Water mitigation services may not be necessary if your home has suffered extensive damage from water.
Conclusion
If your home has been damaged by water, you may be wondering whether you need water mitigation or water remediation services. Although these terms are often interchangeable, there is a significant difference. Water mitigation refers the process of preventing further damage from water. Water remediation, on the other hand, is the process that cleans up and restores a home that has been damaged already by water. This depends on how severe the damage has been to your home. Water mitigation services might be sufficient if your home has suffered only minor water damage. You’ll need to have the water damage mitigated and remediated if your home is severely damaged. Call for an experienced restoration company now.